"Excellent Care"

I want to thank the nurses, healthcare and receptionist at Boston Pilgrim Hospital for making what is a scary, frightening and difficult time which none of us want to go through, actually surprising pleasant, friendly, re-assuring, comfortable day. The care I received from the Boston team has been outstanding. 

From the moment you walk in and are greeted by a warm smile and welcoming from Ricky, you know you are in good hands. 

You walk into the chemo suite itself and find a chair. Mine was always reserved as I cold capped to prevent hair loss, so I was next to the paxman machine they use. ( I have kept 65 to 70% of my long shoulder length hair, just thinned all over and no actual bald patches, so worked for me for which I am so grateful).  The staff are fully trained by paxman themselves. 

The nurses and healthcare come across and do their observations and pre-treatment assessments and chat.  They review your blood tests to make sure you are well enough for treatment that day. Any side effects, they can issue advice and medication to treat at home. Anything they class as borderline, serious or want to double check, they immediately flag to the specialist doctor. (as everyone is there for different cancers, different stages and different drugs ) which I find very reassuring, thorough and professional. 

Some days they are rushed off their feet as so busy with sheer amount of people and different treatments but they never rush you as the patient and will spend all the time you need with you. Nothing is too much for them.  From a question, to constantly having to turn off my bleeping machine, to fetching you a blanket, etc.  They are always aware of everything going on over day and have their eyes on every patient in case of any reactions. 

Often the patients chat to one another if they want to,  as can be such a long full day and some of nurses join in, it is a friendly, relaxed room with banter and jokes if you want it. Some days my tummy has hurt from laughing too much. Considering that cancer is the reason we are all there for, it is surprising pleasant, friendly and happy room, with so much support and togetherness 

They treat you as a caring friend would and you build up relationships with them over the course of treatment

My chemo finished recently and I will actually miss the whole chemo team at Boston but not the treatment!   Special mentions to these staff who have been with me for whole of last 7 months and I believe are exceptional and should be given additional praise. 

Ricky, Emma, Gill and Unique

Please pass this onto the ward, and their managers.

Also a shout out to the volunteers for the cups of tea,  lunch and sweet trolley. You are all fabulous and do an amazing job. Especially Barry and Darren. 

If there is anyway I can nominate either the team or employees for any staff awards, please can you let me know.